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the fungoid growth on the roads of Niue. I have to thank you for the information and advice contained therein, which is much appreciated, and will be acted upon should it be found necessary. I may say that since writing my letter of the 14th September last on the subject, the Natives throughout the island have made a concerted attempt to destroy the nuisance, in some cases by scraping the roads and doing away with the fungus, and in other cases by running fire over the affected parts. The results of their efforts have been fairly successful, but during the present wet season it has again appeared in minor quantities. The Natives are hopeful of getting the growth under: but should their efforts fail, I will obtain a sprayer, and use one of the solutions advised by the Agricultural Department. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, The Hon. James Carroll, Resident Commissioner. Minister in Charge, Cook Islands Administration, Wellington.

RETIREMENT OF THE REV. F. E. LAWES. No. 50. Sir, — . Niue Island Administration, Niue, Ist December, 1909. I have the honour to inform you that the Rev. F. E. Lawes, the resident missionary of the London Missionary Society, who has for the past forty-one years carried on the mission work at Niue, is about to retire, and will shortly leave for England, where he intends to reside. In view of the fact that the Rev. Mr. Lawes was largely responsible for the proceedings which culminated in the British flag being hoisted over Niue, and that since the Government was established here in 1901 he has at all times rendered valuable help to the several representatives of the New Zealand Government, I think it would be a graceful act on the part of the New Zealand Government to forward to him a letter of appreciation and thanks for his services. The Rev. Mr. Lawes is no ordinary man—he has lived among the Natives of Niue for fortyone years, during which time he has translated the greater part of the Scriptures into the Niue tongue, and taught the majority of the Natives to read and write their own language. He has accomplished a great work amongst the people of Niue, and by his unselfish life and charming personality has won the esteem of all. I have, &c, H. Cornwall, Ihe Hon. James Carroll, Resident Commissioner. Minister in Charge, Cook Islands Administration, Wellington.

No. 51. Sir, — Cook islands Administration, Wellington, 18th January, 1910. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Ist Decemlier, stating that the Rev. F. E. Lawes, resident missionary of the London Missionary Society, is taking his departure from Niue to reside in England. I have written to Mr. Lawes expressing my appreciation of the work he has done in Niue. I have, &c, The Resident Commissioner, Niue. J. Carroll.

Approximate Coat of Paper,— Preparation, not given; printing (1,500 copies), £ 31.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. 1910.

Price Is. 3d.